Food fight: University of Louisville students fed up with the school’s mandatory meal plan held a press conference with state lawmakers to voice their opposition, saying the additional $175 by the university is a burden for commuter students. According to state Rep. Joni Jenkins, House Bill 305 would narrow charges public universities and colleges can charge students down to academic base fees. The university has concerns about the legislation, fearing it won’t be able to meet its financial obligations to the food service provider.

And they’re off: In the crowded campaign several candidates have begun to release their stances on key issues. Democratic mayoral candidate Greg Fischer released his job creation plan at a press conference in the Park Hill neighborhood. The 52-year-old businessman promised to relentlessly champion job growth and announced he would create an “Office of Innovation and Breakthrough” to new nurture ideas
that have the potential to create jobs. Also speaking to the business community and advocating for a more responsive permitting and regulatory process, Republican mayoral candidate and Metro Councilman Hal Heiner, R-19, unveiled his 12-point plan for creating jobs.

The people’s forum: Tonight 10 different social justice groups will host a mayoral candidate discussion to answer specific questions around their goals. At least eight of the candidates have agreed to appear at the event, which begins at 6 p.m. at the Metro United Way Building at 334 East Broadway.

Palin pal: In Kentucky’s Senate race Republican candidate Rand Paul’s insurgent campaign has not only seized the fundraising lead in the GOP primary from Secretary of State Trey Grayson, but has received an endorsement from former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin along with a generous donation from her PAC.

Water wars: It’s being reported that corporations are using the recession to convince city officials across the country to hand over their water systems. In 2008, a ballot initiative in Akron, Ohio to lease their water company failed, but it signaled that companies are seeking water privatization:

From AlterNet:

Since that vote, similar lease plans have been floated in Milwaukee and Chicago, presenting a dangerous possibility: In the near future, a major U.S. city could sign over unprecedented control of its water system to a corporation for a generation or longer. The silver lining in this narrative is that the same communities being targeted by water corporations for these deals are now charting out new ways to ensure their water remains in public hands. And for the moment, advocates of public control are winning.